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The Island House
The Island House is an unforgettable novel about a young archaeologist who unearths ancient secrets, a tragic romance and Viking treasure on a remote Scottish island.
Freya Dane arrives on the island of Findmar, hoping to learn more about the work of her father, who was also an archaeologist, and to find out why he left his mother so many years ago ...
It's AD 800 and a comet, an omen of evil, shines down on Findmar, and the fears of the locals are justified. Signy, a Pictish girl, loses her entire family in a Viking raid, and the island is plunged into a war between three religions ...
When the comet returns, the link between past and present becomes clear, and Freya will also learn the true meaning of love and loss.
Freya Dane arrives on the island of Findmar, hoping to learn more about the work of her father, who was also an archaeologist, and to find out why he left his mother so many years ago ...
It's AD 800 and a comet, an omen of evil, shines down on Findmar, and the fears of the locals are justified. Signy, a Pictish girl, loses her entire family in a Viking raid, and the island is plunged into a war between three religions ...
When the comet returns, the link between past and present becomes clear, and Freya will also learn the true meaning of love and loss.
451 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
55 people are currently reading
1637 people want to read
About the author
Posie Graeme-Evans
8 books240 followersPosie Graeme-Evans has worked in the Australian film and television industry for the last twenty-five years as an editor, director, and producer on hundreds of prime-time television programs, including McLeod's Daughters and Hi-5. She lives in Sydney with her husband and creative partner, Andrew Blaxland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
December 19, 2012
This story had so much potential, but the writing was - ick. The parts written in the past were the better parts of the book, but not great. The parts written in the now had the relationships developing inexplicably fast, with one-dimensional characters and cringe-worthy dialogue. This book seemed like it couldn't make up its mind whether it was an otherworldly story of spirit and historical fiction, or a dime-a-dozen romance. I think if the author could have really developed both timelines, slowed the pacing of the modern parts, done a little more research into how people might have spoken in the past, and made all the dialogue more believable, this could have been a pretty cool story. The bits on sailing and archeology were the most interesting parts. I think the author tried to pull off some point to each timeline at the end with the final chapters that seemed tacked-on, but I just found myself ready to get the reading over and done.
May 14, 2013
I have read Posie Graeme-Evans books in the past and found both good stories and good writing. This book had an excellent premise and a great potential plot. I am not sure where this story went off the rails, as this story had many of the devices I would like: set in Scotland, dual story line, ghosts, archaeology, ancient British history. The historical story line as often was more interesting than the modern story line, but it even seemed to hit snags. The plot somehow managed to feel both rushed and slow at the same time. With perhaps a rewrite this could have been a good book.
July 4, 2012
Singy and Freya are living parallel lives on the Scottish Island of Findnar, but during different times in history. Singy lived on Findnar during the time of a Viking raid where her entire family was murdered and Freya living in present day came from Australia to her dead father's Island House to finish her PhD in archaeology and to complete his research and to find the many historical, hidden treasures on Findnar.
It was exciting to be with Freya as she uncovered items noted on her father's research cards and items that had been used and left by Singy when she had lived on the island. On the other hand, it was heartbreaking to see the harsh life Singy had lived with the nuns and monks.
Ms. Graeme-Evans did an outstanding job of blending the two stories together. When Freya discovers something from Singy's era, you will be excited because you actually know the real story of the find and want to let Freya know. History buffs will go crazy with the archeological finds Freya uncovers.
The author described the two main characters in detail and as equivalent to each other with their likeness being the island they lived on and the people in their lives. There is even a parallel between their two love stories. The secondary characters are just as fascinating and are vital to the book's awe and storyline and are appealing in terms of their uniqueness.
The cover in itself is intriguing, and once I started reading, it was easy to get absorbed. The storyline and writing style are perfect in all respects, and the lives of Singy and Freya keep you looking for more. The interesting detail on the author’s part and such a marvelous blending of the two eras along with the flawless, captivating storyline that moved from one era to the next will keep you turning the pages and wanting to see more of what was to come.
As the chapters flowed from one character and one era to the other, you will see the similarities in the setting and lifestyle, but of course one is more primitive than the other. I loved how the ending sentence or simply one single word of a chapter was the beginning of the other era in the next chapter. What a beautiful writing style as well as a magnificent book.
Don’t miss this exceptional read that brought past and present together in an unforgettable tale of love, loss, hidden treasures, and discovery. Ms. Graeme-Evans did a remarkable job in this compelling read that will be in my list of favorites because of the history, the mystery, and the added flare of Scotland's magic and its legends and myths. 5/5
I received a free copy of this book from Simon & Schuster in return for an honest review.
It was exciting to be with Freya as she uncovered items noted on her father's research cards and items that had been used and left by Singy when she had lived on the island. On the other hand, it was heartbreaking to see the harsh life Singy had lived with the nuns and monks.
Ms. Graeme-Evans did an outstanding job of blending the two stories together. When Freya discovers something from Singy's era, you will be excited because you actually know the real story of the find and want to let Freya know. History buffs will go crazy with the archeological finds Freya uncovers.
The author described the two main characters in detail and as equivalent to each other with their likeness being the island they lived on and the people in their lives. There is even a parallel between their two love stories. The secondary characters are just as fascinating and are vital to the book's awe and storyline and are appealing in terms of their uniqueness.
The cover in itself is intriguing, and once I started reading, it was easy to get absorbed. The storyline and writing style are perfect in all respects, and the lives of Singy and Freya keep you looking for more. The interesting detail on the author’s part and such a marvelous blending of the two eras along with the flawless, captivating storyline that moved from one era to the next will keep you turning the pages and wanting to see more of what was to come.
As the chapters flowed from one character and one era to the other, you will see the similarities in the setting and lifestyle, but of course one is more primitive than the other. I loved how the ending sentence or simply one single word of a chapter was the beginning of the other era in the next chapter. What a beautiful writing style as well as a magnificent book.
Don’t miss this exceptional read that brought past and present together in an unforgettable tale of love, loss, hidden treasures, and discovery. Ms. Graeme-Evans did a remarkable job in this compelling read that will be in my list of favorites because of the history, the mystery, and the added flare of Scotland's magic and its legends and myths. 5/5
I received a free copy of this book from Simon & Schuster in return for an honest review.
November 28, 2012
I was intrigued by his story from the beginning.It's the story of two women and their lives from different times. Freya and Signy and Freya both live on the Scottish Island of Findnar. After Freya's father who has been absent for most of her life leaves her the island, Freya's plan initially is not to stay long , just long enough to finish her PhD but events conspire to make her decide otherwise.
Signy, a young Pict girl, lived on Findnar at the time of a Viking raid. Her whole family was wiped out but she, along with a young Viking man named Bear, are taken into the care of the nun, Gunnhilde, and others of the religious order of nuns and priests living on the island who escaped the Viking slaughter.
I loved the interweaving of the present day story of Freya Dane, her romance and the archaeological discoveries , with that of Signy and Bear. It's a fascinating look at the time of the the early Pict religion worshipping Cruach and other gods, the Vikings and their beliefs and the priests and nuns professing to be followers of the Christian beliefs.It held my interest from start to finish, though I admit to finding some of the scenes hard to read as they are quite violent and I don't deal well with violence.
That aside this is an intriguing book and well worth reading, for the story as well as to see how sometimes beliefs can lead to some strange decisions and misguided behaviour.
Signy, a young Pict girl, lived on Findnar at the time of a Viking raid. Her whole family was wiped out but she, along with a young Viking man named Bear, are taken into the care of the nun, Gunnhilde, and others of the religious order of nuns and priests living on the island who escaped the Viking slaughter.
I loved the interweaving of the present day story of Freya Dane, her romance and the archaeological discoveries , with that of Signy and Bear. It's a fascinating look at the time of the the early Pict religion worshipping Cruach and other gods, the Vikings and their beliefs and the priests and nuns professing to be followers of the Christian beliefs.It held my interest from start to finish, though I admit to finding some of the scenes hard to read as they are quite violent and I don't deal well with violence.
That aside this is an intriguing book and well worth reading, for the story as well as to see how sometimes beliefs can lead to some strange decisions and misguided behaviour.
July 7, 2013
It was one of those books that I couldn´t stop Reading... it took me one week.
I Highly recommend it
I Highly recommend it
September 27, 2013
Freya Dane's late and largely absent father left her the Scottish island of Findnar, and in trying to understand his motivations, she explores his work and uncovers an archaeological mystery. Freya's story intertwines with that of Signy, a Pictish girl from the 800's, whose entire family was murdered by Viking invaders. Signy's ghost is unsettled, and she inhabits the island, coming to Freya in "visions" and driving Freya's search for the treasure trove.
I have a weakness for books set in Scotland, especially historical fiction, and this story detailed a time period in Scotland that I don't know much about. Unfortunately, the book fell victim to the dual-time narrative syndrome, where one or both stories/characters don't have enough space to develop. Usually, I prefer one story over the other, but in this case, I think both stories relied too heavily on each other and left no mystery for the reader. Maybe I'm getting too critical in my old age, but I found it predictable with weak character development, and an over abundance of "head-hopping."
I have a weakness for books set in Scotland, especially historical fiction, and this story detailed a time period in Scotland that I don't know much about. Unfortunately, the book fell victim to the dual-time narrative syndrome, where one or both stories/characters don't have enough space to develop. Usually, I prefer one story over the other, but in this case, I think both stories relied too heavily on each other and left no mystery for the reader. Maybe I'm getting too critical in my old age, but I found it predictable with weak character development, and an over abundance of "head-hopping."
November 24, 2012
Sydney PhD student Freya Dane receives word that her long-ago departed father has died in an accident off the coast of an island in Scotland. She inherits the island and its contents and finds herself longing to understand the man that she was long estranged with. She travels to Findnar, determined to learn more about him and his work and the reason he left her and her mother so long ago.
It appears that the island has an extensive Christian and Viking past that dates back to around 800AD and Freya finds herself continuing her fathers work. She begins to experience things that she cannot explain – she sees a young, dark haired woman, she experiences visions when she is around a local man by the name of Daniel Boyne. The house and island hold treasures of unimaginable importance and historical value, Freya just must follow the clues she is being given to find them.
In 800AD, Pictish girl Signy loses her entire family to a Viking raid. Left on the island with only some brothers and nuns for company, she helps care for the horribly injured Viking boy left behind. Known as Bear, the two become inseparable but a tragic event leads to Signy taking orders and becoming a nun. Deeply confused and believing that she must atone for her sins, Signy still cannot ignore the way in which she feels about Bear and the depth of Bear’s love for her sees him stopping at nothing in order to get her back by his side. Torn between the Pagan rituals of her ancestors and the strict Christianity of her new order, Signy is the voice that guides Freys to make her startling discoveries.
The Island House is the latest novel from Australian author Posie Graeme-Evans, whose previous works include The Dressmaker, The Innocent, The Exiled and The Uncrowned Queen. She is also known for creating the long-running TV series “McLeod’s Daughters” which has been partially responsible for the resurgence in the popularity of the rural romance ideal. I haven’t read any of her novels before but I was a bit of a McLeod’s Daughters fan (my former housemate got me into it, Wednesdays were our take away, McLeod’s and a few drinks nights!) so I thought I would give this one a go and see how I found it.
The narrative is split in two: firstly we meet Freya, mourning the father she didn’t really know, having made the journey from Sydney to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The island was bought by her father and bequeathed to her in his will and Freya thinks that she may be able to get to know the man a little better, even posthumously, and perhaps even complete the thesis she’s struggling with herself. The island is accessible only by small boat and is not hooked up to power and running water – instead there are lanterns and she has to pump water in. I have to admit, I do get distracted by things like this, there was no mention of a toilet or how on earth one went about that. Love the idea of a stone cottage on a remote and windy Scottish island – do not like the idea of tripping outside at nighttime to a hole in the ground.
The other story revolves around Signy, a young girl hovering around adolescence who has her whole family brutally cut down during a Viking raid. Left to a handful of Christian people who are attempting to establish the island as a place of religion and learning, she finds a tentative love with Bear that is overshadowed by the guilt of her religious instruction, especially when something tragic occurs. Believing it to be a punishment from a God she previously didn’t believe in, she takes holy orders in order to become a nun. Signy was a pagan and the brutality of the Viking raids couldn’t strip her of her courage and her faith. The two sides war within her still.
This novel had so much potential! I love a blend of historical and contemporary and Scotland is one of my favourite places to read about and the past era was fascinating – a time in history that I have barely touched on in my reading. However there were things about this novel that stopped it from being truly great and I think that most of it revolved around the modern-day storyline. Freya was as much a mystery to me at the end of the book as she was at the beginning. I never really learned much about her, other than the fact that she’d missed her father’s presence in her life and that she was organised and often distant with people. She embarks on a strange almost non-existent love triangle with two local men and it’s obvious which one she is going to really end up with but it was so underdeveloped that it was impossible to feel anything about it. I liked the bare bones character of Daniel Boyle but he needed more and the two of them needed more interaction. It started off promisingly, with the visions they both experienced when they touched, Daniel avoiding her because of his guilt over her father’s death, etc but it petered out quickly and from then they settled into like being an old married couple. I feel as though the romance/chemistry aspect was just entirely skipped.
Fortunately the part of the novel set in 800AD was much better in terms of constructing a world with fleshed out characters. I enjoyed the story of Signy and Bear and felt for them with all the trauma and heartache they experienced in their young and tumultuous lives. The religion made me frustrated, because it was all the sin and hell and damnation preaching, a vengeful God who permitted nothing but worship. Everything else was the Devil and required exorcism. It was very interesting to learn about Signy’s Pagan rituals, especially concerning death. She was such a strong character, so resilient after everything that happened to her, stoic until the end.
The Island House has its good points but for me, it also lets itself down in a few areas, most notably character development. The plot is good, all the players are there, I just feel as though more time should’ve been devoted to making Freya a real person, giving the reader a much better, clearer picture of her. And developing intimacy with Daniel Boyne would’ve been appreciated too! I’m a girl who likes time spent on the romance, even when it’s a small part of the story. If you’re not bothered about that and you’re more interested in the historical aspect and the mystery, then this book will probably be right up your alley.
It appears that the island has an extensive Christian and Viking past that dates back to around 800AD and Freya finds herself continuing her fathers work. She begins to experience things that she cannot explain – she sees a young, dark haired woman, she experiences visions when she is around a local man by the name of Daniel Boyne. The house and island hold treasures of unimaginable importance and historical value, Freya just must follow the clues she is being given to find them.
In 800AD, Pictish girl Signy loses her entire family to a Viking raid. Left on the island with only some brothers and nuns for company, she helps care for the horribly injured Viking boy left behind. Known as Bear, the two become inseparable but a tragic event leads to Signy taking orders and becoming a nun. Deeply confused and believing that she must atone for her sins, Signy still cannot ignore the way in which she feels about Bear and the depth of Bear’s love for her sees him stopping at nothing in order to get her back by his side. Torn between the Pagan rituals of her ancestors and the strict Christianity of her new order, Signy is the voice that guides Freys to make her startling discoveries.
The Island House is the latest novel from Australian author Posie Graeme-Evans, whose previous works include The Dressmaker, The Innocent, The Exiled and The Uncrowned Queen. She is also known for creating the long-running TV series “McLeod’s Daughters” which has been partially responsible for the resurgence in the popularity of the rural romance ideal. I haven’t read any of her novels before but I was a bit of a McLeod’s Daughters fan (my former housemate got me into it, Wednesdays were our take away, McLeod’s and a few drinks nights!) so I thought I would give this one a go and see how I found it.
The narrative is split in two: firstly we meet Freya, mourning the father she didn’t really know, having made the journey from Sydney to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The island was bought by her father and bequeathed to her in his will and Freya thinks that she may be able to get to know the man a little better, even posthumously, and perhaps even complete the thesis she’s struggling with herself. The island is accessible only by small boat and is not hooked up to power and running water – instead there are lanterns and she has to pump water in. I have to admit, I do get distracted by things like this, there was no mention of a toilet or how on earth one went about that. Love the idea of a stone cottage on a remote and windy Scottish island – do not like the idea of tripping outside at nighttime to a hole in the ground.
The other story revolves around Signy, a young girl hovering around adolescence who has her whole family brutally cut down during a Viking raid. Left to a handful of Christian people who are attempting to establish the island as a place of religion and learning, she finds a tentative love with Bear that is overshadowed by the guilt of her religious instruction, especially when something tragic occurs. Believing it to be a punishment from a God she previously didn’t believe in, she takes holy orders in order to become a nun. Signy was a pagan and the brutality of the Viking raids couldn’t strip her of her courage and her faith. The two sides war within her still.
This novel had so much potential! I love a blend of historical and contemporary and Scotland is one of my favourite places to read about and the past era was fascinating – a time in history that I have barely touched on in my reading. However there were things about this novel that stopped it from being truly great and I think that most of it revolved around the modern-day storyline. Freya was as much a mystery to me at the end of the book as she was at the beginning. I never really learned much about her, other than the fact that she’d missed her father’s presence in her life and that she was organised and often distant with people. She embarks on a strange almost non-existent love triangle with two local men and it’s obvious which one she is going to really end up with but it was so underdeveloped that it was impossible to feel anything about it. I liked the bare bones character of Daniel Boyle but he needed more and the two of them needed more interaction. It started off promisingly, with the visions they both experienced when they touched, Daniel avoiding her because of his guilt over her father’s death, etc but it petered out quickly and from then they settled into like being an old married couple. I feel as though the romance/chemistry aspect was just entirely skipped.
Fortunately the part of the novel set in 800AD was much better in terms of constructing a world with fleshed out characters. I enjoyed the story of Signy and Bear and felt for them with all the trauma and heartache they experienced in their young and tumultuous lives. The religion made me frustrated, because it was all the sin and hell and damnation preaching, a vengeful God who permitted nothing but worship. Everything else was the Devil and required exorcism. It was very interesting to learn about Signy’s Pagan rituals, especially concerning death. She was such a strong character, so resilient after everything that happened to her, stoic until the end.
The Island House has its good points but for me, it also lets itself down in a few areas, most notably character development. The plot is good, all the players are there, I just feel as though more time should’ve been devoted to making Freya a real person, giving the reader a much better, clearer picture of her. And developing intimacy with Daniel Boyne would’ve been appreciated too! I’m a girl who likes time spent on the romance, even when it’s a small part of the story. If you’re not bothered about that and you’re more interested in the historical aspect and the mystery, then this book will probably be right up your alley.
July 21, 2017
Freya Dane a Phd candidate in archeology travels to her deceased father's house on an island in Scotland. While trying to deal with the death of her father, she makes several discoveries dating back to Viking times. There is a parallel story that begins in 800AD when the Vikings raid a town on what is now the island Freya is living on. A girl escapes the raid and her story is closely linked with what is happening in the present day.
July 31, 2012
Freya Dane is a young woman lost in the world. First abandoned by her father as a child, and then with his death he leaves her again. Having hit a rut with her PhD in archaeology she essentially decides to give up on life (not suicidal, but rather she has given up trying) and travel to the remote island off Scotland that her father has left her.
In losing herself she finds herself. With this act of resignation she stops trying to lead the life she believes she should be experiencing and begins to experience the life she is actually having. Digging into her father’s work on the island she gets caught up in the historic past of the island, especially in the forbidden love of its ancient inhabitants.
This focus allows her years of emotional defenses to crumble a little and it is then others are allowed in, to truly risk intimacy with others for better or worse. To often us humans spend so much time protecting ourselves we never take a risk. It is as if we believe avoiding pain is more important than the possibility of pleasure. The truth is life is messy. Great happiness is only possible when you are also exposed to great risk for sadness to.
The ancient inhabitants did their best to conform, to play it safe and fit in; but happiness was never theirs. Even though they paid the ultimate price they did have moments of bliss that would never have been possible otherwise. Freya though excavating their history allows herself to except the pains of her life (the loss of her father – both times) which in turn lets her truly appreciate the good in her life too.
In the end this book teaches us that it is okay to be unhappy, because without it we can never really be happy. You cannot appreciate the sweet without ever tasting the bitter. The Island House is a love story that speaks truth; it’s a journey bumps and all. Plus the history aspect of the novel was pretty good too – icing on the cake.
In losing herself she finds herself. With this act of resignation she stops trying to lead the life she believes she should be experiencing and begins to experience the life she is actually having. Digging into her father’s work on the island she gets caught up in the historic past of the island, especially in the forbidden love of its ancient inhabitants.
This focus allows her years of emotional defenses to crumble a little and it is then others are allowed in, to truly risk intimacy with others for better or worse. To often us humans spend so much time protecting ourselves we never take a risk. It is as if we believe avoiding pain is more important than the possibility of pleasure. The truth is life is messy. Great happiness is only possible when you are also exposed to great risk for sadness to.
The ancient inhabitants did their best to conform, to play it safe and fit in; but happiness was never theirs. Even though they paid the ultimate price they did have moments of bliss that would never have been possible otherwise. Freya though excavating their history allows herself to except the pains of her life (the loss of her father – both times) which in turn lets her truly appreciate the good in her life too.
In the end this book teaches us that it is okay to be unhappy, because without it we can never really be happy. You cannot appreciate the sweet without ever tasting the bitter. The Island House is a love story that speaks truth; it’s a journey bumps and all. Plus the history aspect of the novel was pretty good too – icing on the cake.
August 7, 2012
This is another book with one story set in the present and one set in the past. There's Freya, a woman, who is looking for clues after her absentee father's death. Then there's Signy who lives in 800 AD who is trying to decide between religion and love. This book has a little touch of the paranormal too; which adds a little more interest.
Unlike many of these books that have both a past and present story, I actually liked the present-day story better. I don't know a lot about the Viking times that Signy was living through and I wished that there was a little more historical context to explain what was going on. I felt like I would have gotten more out of it. Freya was a really interesting character to me. She comes to this island where she doesn't know anyone and begins to try to put together the pieces of what her father must have been like but she finds another mystery, which I really liked. This is the part where the little bit of paranormal comes in. I thought that was really a nice feature in this book. I know that it definitely kept me reading.
There was a little bit of romance in both the present and the past stories. Here's where the past story was better than the present. Signy and Bear fall in love but the forces of there cultures keep them from forging a relationship for the long haul. You see why they fall in love and you really feel for their relationship. On the other hand, you have Freya and local man, Dan, who seem to mix like oil and water. And then all the sudden as if a flip had been switched, they fall for each other. This part definitely was confusing. To me, there didn't seem to really be any sort of transition between them not liking each other at all and then falling in love.
Bottom line: Overall, the story is interesting. I liked the paranormal bit. I think historical fiction lovers who like a little bit of flair with their HF will enjoy this story.
Unlike many of these books that have both a past and present story, I actually liked the present-day story better. I don't know a lot about the Viking times that Signy was living through and I wished that there was a little more historical context to explain what was going on. I felt like I would have gotten more out of it. Freya was a really interesting character to me. She comes to this island where she doesn't know anyone and begins to try to put together the pieces of what her father must have been like but she finds another mystery, which I really liked. This is the part where the little bit of paranormal comes in. I thought that was really a nice feature in this book. I know that it definitely kept me reading.
There was a little bit of romance in both the present and the past stories. Here's where the past story was better than the present. Signy and Bear fall in love but the forces of there cultures keep them from forging a relationship for the long haul. You see why they fall in love and you really feel for their relationship. On the other hand, you have Freya and local man, Dan, who seem to mix like oil and water. And then all the sudden as if a flip had been switched, they fall for each other. This part definitely was confusing. To me, there didn't seem to really be any sort of transition between them not liking each other at all and then falling in love.
Bottom line: Overall, the story is interesting. I liked the paranormal bit. I think historical fiction lovers who like a little bit of flair with their HF will enjoy this story.
August 16, 2012
This is the third Posie Graeme-Evans book I have read. The previous two, The Innocent and The Exiled were both set in the 15th century. The Island House, however, is different. It’s set in both present day and 800AD on the ancient Scottish island of Findnar.
It’s the story of Freya Dane, a PhD student in archaeology, and Signy, a Pictish girl. Their stories are beautifully woven together by the author to create a fascinating read. Freya searching for what her father did not find in his archaeological work before his death, and Signy trying to survive in a ruthless world of Viking raids, and an unforgiving Christian community of monks.
Freya and Signy’s lives touch over the eons of time as they both find love and deal with loss. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it has a little bit of everything I like. History, mystery and love combined with an eeriness that kept me turning the page.
It’s the story of Freya Dane, a PhD student in archaeology, and Signy, a Pictish girl. Their stories are beautifully woven together by the author to create a fascinating read. Freya searching for what her father did not find in his archaeological work before his death, and Signy trying to survive in a ruthless world of Viking raids, and an unforgiving Christian community of monks.
Freya and Signy’s lives touch over the eons of time as they both find love and deal with loss. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it has a little bit of everything I like. History, mystery and love combined with an eeriness that kept me turning the page.
September 18, 2013
Great idea for a book, horrible read. I read this for book club so I kept at it. I feel cheated of all the hours I spent on this book. The story line was predictable. The character names? Horrible! Signy, Freya? What? Did not flow in the story nor did all those fictitious locations. Flip-flopping between the periods horrible. Works for some books - this one, it was a pain. Honestly, I have never felt so cheated when reading a book. I am surprised how many stars some people have given which just proves the fact that there is book out there for everyone.
August 10, 2013
I really wanted to love this book...but I never did. I normally like books that go back and forth between the past and the present but this story started to irritate me. I did not like the love stories between Bear and Signy or Freya and Dan. Both seemed underdeveloped and unrealistic. I believe this could've been a great archeological suspense thriller...but it turned out more like a bad historical romance novel.
August 27, 2012
2.5 stars. A historical mystery with a touch of romance. An evocative setting kept me reading despite some very two-dimensional characters. Somewhat disappointing.
May 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! The setting, themes, and storyline were right up my alley. I'll be seeking out more of Posie Graeme-Evans' books.
December 27, 2021
In the discard pile at school (strange book to be in the school collection anyway) and thought I would give it a chance.
It moves between now, where Freya, an archaeologist, inherits an island off the coast of Scotland and Signy, who is on the same island when its monastic life (and hers) are shattered by Viking raids.
I found it all rather Disney like, romantic relationships all with passion but rather neat, the ending a bit over the top and the switching between times requiring serious suspension of disbelief. Still I did finish and there were parts I enjoyed (descriptions of Findnar) but overall it was just too much and lacked subtlety. Bit like this review.
It moves between now, where Freya, an archaeologist, inherits an island off the coast of Scotland and Signy, who is on the same island when its monastic life (and hers) are shattered by Viking raids.
I found it all rather Disney like, romantic relationships all with passion but rather neat, the ending a bit over the top and the switching between times requiring serious suspension of disbelief. Still I did finish and there were parts I enjoyed (descriptions of Findnar) but overall it was just too much and lacked subtlety. Bit like this review.
August 24, 2020
I wish the story was just the medieval Scottish monastery timeline. The contemporary timeline with Freya and Dan's unexplained visions was not drawn out well enough to be properly engaging. I'm not sure why it was just those two (and Freya's deceased father) who saw the visions of the island's past or what their emotion-driven physic connection was all about. Also, the addition of Simon and Robert didn't really seem to have a point other than some elementary-level bullying and scheming-that was a plot line that was distracting not helpful to the overall story.
July 28, 2021
I'm a sucker for dual timeline books, and for books set in Scotland as well. So what went wrong? Well... honestly, I was just too little invested in the characters in either timeline and consequently battling boredom entirely too often. Some bits of Signy's part came with so much religious babble that I merely skimmed them. Not a bad book, but no more than mildly entertaining to me.
July 1, 2023
It was OK, then I didn’t like it, then it was OK then I really liked it.
February 15, 2013
The premise of this book intrigued me, and the hint at archaeological content convinced me to buy it. I like brooding, island atmospheres and links with the past too.
To the extent that The Island House contains all of that, I enjoyed it. However, I found it rather long in the telling, and about half way through became impatient to ‘cut to the chase’. When the reader can easily deduce what’s coming, it’s best to get them there without much further ado, or at least surprise them with some unexpected twists. But don’t take too long doing it!
The dual timelines (past and present) narrative has almost been done to death, hasn’t it? However, while I’ve read better examples of it than this one, I’ve certainly read (or abandoned) worse ones.
Early in the book, the author’s occasional use of some truly tortured sentence structures had me wishing for my editor’s pen. Fortunately the practice petered out as I got further into the book… or is it that I just got used to them?
The Island House is an entertaining read, even if it does contain some dubious behaviour for an aspiring archaeologist! But then, if we waited for the proper reporting and documenting – not to mention notifying the authorities at the right time – we’d have no drama.
The thing I like most about The Island House is the light it shines on a period of time most of us know little about. Scotland in AD 800 saw Picts, Celtic Christians and invading Norse all vying for dominance. They all wanted something – either their own land, souls for the Almighty, or plunder.
Novels like The Island House that throw a brief spotlight on such times can inspire the reader to read some actual history of the period in question. And that’s what I like best about this book.
For others, though, it may be just an enjoyable, atmospheric yarn. So be it.
Review by Kerry Hennigan
Feb 16, 2013
To the extent that The Island House contains all of that, I enjoyed it. However, I found it rather long in the telling, and about half way through became impatient to ‘cut to the chase’. When the reader can easily deduce what’s coming, it’s best to get them there without much further ado, or at least surprise them with some unexpected twists. But don’t take too long doing it!
The dual timelines (past and present) narrative has almost been done to death, hasn’t it? However, while I’ve read better examples of it than this one, I’ve certainly read (or abandoned) worse ones.
Early in the book, the author’s occasional use of some truly tortured sentence structures had me wishing for my editor’s pen. Fortunately the practice petered out as I got further into the book… or is it that I just got used to them?
The Island House is an entertaining read, even if it does contain some dubious behaviour for an aspiring archaeologist! But then, if we waited for the proper reporting and documenting – not to mention notifying the authorities at the right time – we’d have no drama.
The thing I like most about The Island House is the light it shines on a period of time most of us know little about. Scotland in AD 800 saw Picts, Celtic Christians and invading Norse all vying for dominance. They all wanted something – either their own land, souls for the Almighty, or plunder.
Novels like The Island House that throw a brief spotlight on such times can inspire the reader to read some actual history of the period in question. And that’s what I like best about this book.
For others, though, it may be just an enjoyable, atmospheric yarn. So be it.
Review by Kerry Hennigan
Feb 16, 2013
October 19, 2012
From the ancient past, when the gods of the Picts, the Vikings, and the new Christian religion vied for power on a small island off the coast of Scotland, springs the tale of a Pict woman and a Viking man whose lives came together during a tragic raid when they were children. The story of the struggles and separation their deep passion endures until they meet a tragic end, is mingled with a contemporary tale. After her father’s death, a daughter, embarks on a journey to discover what happened in his life, a man who had come to be almost a stranger to her. This, along with ancient finds she uncovers, and paranormal experiences with the ghost of those ancient lovers, leads her onto her own path of self-discovery and…love.
This is international bestselling author Posie Graeme-Evans’s latest novel, released June, 26th, 2012. Here is a book trailer of The Island House. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AxJo4...
In addition to her career as novelist, she worked in the Australian film and television industry as an editor, director, writer, producer and executive producer. She may be best known as the creator and producer of the well loved television show, McLeod’s Daughters.
The island house is a haunting, mystical yet realistic and well researched historical novel. The story easily swept me up and took me on a wonderful ride. I highly recommend The Island House.
This is international bestselling author Posie Graeme-Evans’s latest novel, released June, 26th, 2012. Here is a book trailer of The Island House. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AxJo4...
In addition to her career as novelist, she worked in the Australian film and television industry as an editor, director, writer, producer and executive producer. She may be best known as the creator and producer of the well loved television show, McLeod’s Daughters.
The island house is a haunting, mystical yet realistic and well researched historical novel. The story easily swept me up and took me on a wonderful ride. I highly recommend The Island House.
November 26, 2012
My kind of book!!! The kind that permits one to look forward all day to an hour or so in the evening to be living in a different world. Perhaps I should say two worlds. One of ancient times and one of current days. Fortunately, the swing back and forth between the time the Vikings were living and fighting in Scotland and the the time the heroine Freya Dane, a PhD candidate from Australia inherits her archaelogist father's cottage in Findnar, Scotland works comfortably.
I loved the 800 AD story of Signy, a tenage female pict who is pushed by the nuns living on Findnar to be christian for 20 some years but feels the pull of her animist beliefs. I loved "Bear" the young warrior who helped raid Findnar but ends up living at the edge of the Christian monk and nunnery. Their love is very strong but seldom able to be activated.
Freya teeter-totters between being scared, finding out how to live in a cottage without conveniences and venturing to be open to men
villagers across the water from her island.
As she gathers her strength of character, she is able to accept help in digging and understanding the hidden archeological treasures under house and stones and to fall in love.
I do agree with another reviewer that the last segment of the book is excess and somewhat contrived. I would have ended it sooner.
I loved the 800 AD story of Signy, a tenage female pict who is pushed by the nuns living on Findnar to be christian for 20 some years but feels the pull of her animist beliefs. I loved "Bear" the young warrior who helped raid Findnar but ends up living at the edge of the Christian monk and nunnery. Their love is very strong but seldom able to be activated.
Freya teeter-totters between being scared, finding out how to live in a cottage without conveniences and venturing to be open to men
villagers across the water from her island.
As she gathers her strength of character, she is able to accept help in digging and understanding the hidden archeological treasures under house and stones and to fall in love.
I do agree with another reviewer that the last segment of the book is excess and somewhat contrived. I would have ended it sooner.
December 28, 2012
The Island House by Poise Graeme-Evans
“Alternating between present-day and ninth-century Scotland, The Island House is an intertwined story of fascinating discoveries and two women connected to each other over centuries."
This book had everything I love in a great story. It combined a good contemporary mystery and suspense with a historical thought provoking story with interesting characters and plot, even a feeling of the supernatural at times. I did really enjoy reading this book, and it could have rated 5 out of 5 stars had it not been for the ending of the book. There were moments at the end of the book that seemed confusing and unnecessary which could easily have been edited out without ruining the story. I also think the characters could have been developed more, including the relationship between Katherine and Michael and I didn't understand the need for the characters Simon? and Rob? I'm not sure why they were even in the story, this just added confusion and weakened the ending of the book. ..In saying all this though, I was still totally engrossed in this book and couldn't put it down until I had finished the book.
“Alternating between present-day and ninth-century Scotland, The Island House is an intertwined story of fascinating discoveries and two women connected to each other over centuries."
This book had everything I love in a great story. It combined a good contemporary mystery and suspense with a historical thought provoking story with interesting characters and plot, even a feeling of the supernatural at times. I did really enjoy reading this book, and it could have rated 5 out of 5 stars had it not been for the ending of the book. There were moments at the end of the book that seemed confusing and unnecessary which could easily have been edited out without ruining the story. I also think the characters could have been developed more, including the relationship between Katherine and Michael and I didn't understand the need for the characters Simon? and Rob? I'm not sure why they were even in the story, this just added confusion and weakened the ending of the book. ..In saying all this though, I was still totally engrossed in this book and couldn't put it down until I had finished the book.
January 17, 2013
Posie Graeme-Evans is just an incredible author for sure. The Island House – combining historical and modern times – is the style of book that I just love. Signy, a young Pict girl in 800AD, Bear, the young Viking warrior and Freya moving from Australia to the Scottish Island of Findnar after the death of her father. I loved the story in the ancient past after the Vikings raid when Signy is pushed by the nuns living on Findnar to be Christian, and as only a small girl tending to the young injured Viking, struggles with her new orphaned life. Freya’s story in modern day was also quite intriguing also with her success in exposing the story of the past, so, in short, I just loved this book. All the way through I was planning on giving it 5 stars as I was so engrossed, but the ending sometimes got a little confusing when the Picts, the Vikings and the new Christian religion all battled for power and I had to re-read a few pages to get a handle on what had actually happened, so I feel I have to give it 4 stars. A fascinating read filled with lots of historical and religious facts that took me easily and completely to another time and place……
July 7, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Posie Graeme-Evans and she definitely has my attention! I just adore a compelling tale that the real world just falls away as I find myself immersed in the story. The Island House did just that. Two different times are told but in a fashion that the reader can easily follow along. Freya and Signy are extraordinary characters, doing the best they can with the hand that fate has dealt them. Both have tragedy in their lives and both have made life changing choices. Across time, ancient secrets are unearthed, a young romance travels south and the lure of a Viking treasure culls many.
If you enjoy a story prolific with historical details, archaeology, ancient secrets, unforgettable characters and sensational writing, you will want to pick up The Island House today. Definitely not to be missed!!
If you enjoy a story prolific with historical details, archaeology, ancient secrets, unforgettable characters and sensational writing, you will want to pick up The Island House today. Definitely not to be missed!!
April 9, 2013
Really hated her writing style. From the stunted, choppy, dialogue to the back and forth between time periods that made it hard to get into the book, and her lack of being able to paint a picture with my mind, either of the characters or of the setting, I found this book to be overall pretty lackluster.
Not to mention the hastily thrown in subplot at the end with Simon and Robert that really added nothing to the book. I really didn't find too many redeeming qualities about this work. In the interest of full disclosure, however, I will mention that this book was a gift to me and not one that I chose myself, so I might have been predisposed to not liking it due to this anyway.
Not to mention the hastily thrown in subplot at the end with Simon and Robert that really added nothing to the book. I really didn't find too many redeeming qualities about this work. In the interest of full disclosure, however, I will mention that this book was a gift to me and not one that I chose myself, so I might have been predisposed to not liking it due to this anyway.
July 16, 2012
Loved this book all the way up to the end, then was a little disappointed. Almost felt like the author was in a hurry to finish the book and just threw the last of it together. Not sure of the purpose of Simon and Buchan; if it was to add suspense, it didn't do a very good job. The book could have been just as good without either of them if they weren't going to be developed any more than they were. Also, I would have liked to know more about Katharine and her relationship with Michael.
Book definitely held my attention and was a real page-turner. I hated to put it down.
Book definitely held my attention and was a real page-turner. I hated to put it down.
November 19, 2013
Freya Dane's dad disappered when she was a child, she has always hoped/dreaded that she would hear from him. But when he unexpectedly passes away and leaves her not only a house, but an island, she is drawn to explore it and discover what drew him away.
This book is written from the viewpoint of Freya in modern times and from the viewpoint of Signy, a Pictish girl who lived on the island a long long time ago.
Freya is an archaeologist and starts to search for the secrets of the island.
I really enjoyed this book,I liked the back and forth between two stories.
This book is written from the viewpoint of Freya in modern times and from the viewpoint of Signy, a Pictish girl who lived on the island a long long time ago.
Freya is an archaeologist and starts to search for the secrets of the island.
I really enjoyed this book,I liked the back and forth between two stories.
July 4, 2013
For the first thirty pages or so, I kept debating whether I wanted to keep reading this novel. I found the omniscient viewpoint very annoying. However, the story had caught hold of me, and I kept going. The two main protagonists really hook you in as does the interweaving of the two plots. By the time I was halfway through, I did not want to put the book down.
March 12, 2013
A time shifting novel between the present day and 800 A.D. Also has three ancient cultures,
Pict, Viking and Christianity. Present day people are Scottish, Danish and Australian. Very interesting and fun to read.
Pict, Viking and Christianity. Present day people are Scottish, Danish and Australian. Very interesting and fun to read.
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